A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Straus, Ludwig

by George Grove

STRAUS, Ludwig, an excellent violin-player, was born at Pressburg, March 28, 1835; entered the Vienna Conservatoire in 1843, and remained there till the revolution in 1848; was pupil of Böhm for the violin, and Preyer and Nottebohm for counterpoint; made his first appearance (at the same time with Fraulein Csillag) in a concert at the hall of the Musikverein, Vienna, in June 1850. During the next few years he made various public appearances, besides playing in the private concerts of several patrons of music, especially Prince Czartoryski [App. p.797 "for Prince Czartoryski read Ober-Finanzrath Baron von Heintl"], at whose reunions he played second fiddle to Mayseder for three years. At the Mozart Centenary Festival in 1856 he met Liszt, and like many other young artists benefitted by his kindness. Straus's first concert tournée was made in 1855, and extended as far as Venice and Florence. In 1857 he made the acquaintance of Piatti, with whom he took a second tour through Germany and Sweden. In 1860 he was appointed concertmeister of the theatre and of the Museum-concerts in Frankfort, a post which he held for five years, giving also quartet concerts, and leading the subscription concerts in the neighbouring towns. In 1860 he first visited England, played at the Musical Union June 5, etc., and at the Monday Popular Concert of June 18. In 1861 he returned, and appeared twice at the Philharmonic, April 29 and June 24.

In 1864 he took up his residence in this country, settling after a time in Manchester [App. p.797 "for settling after a time at Manchester, read dividing his time between London and Manchester"], where he is leader of Mr. Charles Halle's orchestra. But he often visits London, to take either first fiddle or viola in the Monday Popular Concerts, or to play solo at the Crystal Palace or the Philharmonic, and during his residence in England he has also played at Dresden, Vienna, etc. Straus is a member of the Queen's private band, and 'Solo Violinist' to Her Majesty. [App. p.797 "He now lives in London. Add that in the spring of 1888 he resigned his post as leader of Mr. Halle's orchestra."]

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